When you are in a situation where you think you need to file bankruptcy, you are faced with the dilemma of finding an attorney or law firm that will represent you and help you through the process.  The best resource is to get advice from a friend or family member who has been through a bankruptcy. But there's a slim chance that you can find a friend or family member who has filed.  So where do you go from here?

If you turn to a Google or Bing search, you will find pages of bankruptcy attorneys advertising their services.  You should keep in mind that most of these attorneys are paying to be on Google or Bing and listing themselves or their law firm.  At this point, you should look at the attorney's website and get a feel for the attorney and his firm.  How long has the potential attorney practiced bankruptcy law?  What schools has the attorney attended?  

Choosing a bankruptcy attorney that is closest to your home is not necessary.  Much of the work can be done via email, fax and phone calls.  You should only have to make a few trips to the office.

A good bankruptcy attorney should answer the phone, or return calls as soon as possible.  Also, email communication is very important.  Emails should be answered immediately.  I also give out my cell phone number in case of emergencies.

Next, make sure that the attorney is charging reasonable fees.  You should be able to get some figures by calling the law firm.  Some firms will not quote fees over the phone.  They typically require that you set up a consultation before quoting fees.  This is not necessarily a bad thing.  The lawyer should be able to access your situation at this consultation and view any complexities in your case.  This meeting is also a time for you to ask questions.  Is the attorney willing to take the time to fully answer your questions?  You may also ask a question in which the attorney does not have a quick answer.  He or she should offer to do the research on the issue and get back with you in the next few days.  Again, this is not necessarily a bad thing.  The bankruptcy case laws are changing all the time.  The conscientious attorney should be sure that he or she is providing the most up to date information.

Please keep in mind that the least expensive attorney is definitely not the best option.  I know that some Atlanta law firms charge as low as $900.00 for a Chapter 7.  But I also know that this firm is what we refer to as a "bankruptcy mill".  Most of these firms use paralegals from start to end of the bankruptcy.  Getting an attorney on the phone is a near impossibility.